Motorists traveling through one of Sharjah’s busiest educational corridors will need to plan their journeys carefully in the coming weeks as authorities have announced temporary traffic changes to facilitate construction associated with the UAE’s ambitious Etihad Rail Station Access Road project.Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) confirmed that the diversion affects roads between University City and Institute Land (Ard Al Mahid). The temporary changes are designed to allow work to be carried out on access roads that will eventually connect the area to the UAE’s growing national passenger railway network. The change comes as Etihad Rail continues to expand infrastructure ahead of the start of passenger services across the country.Officials have urged motorists to obey modified traffic signals, use designated alternate routes and allow additional travel time, especially during morning and evening rush hours when the University City corridor has heavy traffic of students, university staff and commuters.
Which roads are affected?
According to SRTA, the diversion has been introduced as part of the ongoing construction for the Etihad Rail Station Access Road Project, one of a number of infrastructure upgrades supporting the launch of passenger rail services.The affected section is located between University City and Institute Land (Ard Al Mahid). Temporary traffic arrangements are expected to remain in place until August, allowing engineers to safely complete major construction works while maintaining traffic flow via designated alternative routes.Authorities have asked drivers to obey temporary road signs, reduce speed near construction areas and cooperate with traffic management teams to reduce congestion and ensure the safety of road users and construction workers. The latest diversion follows a series of temporary road closures announced in Sharjah in recent months as infrastructure work accelerates to prepare the emirate for the arrival of Etihad Rail passenger services.
Why is there more construction in Sharjah?
The road works are part of the wider Etihad Rail programme, one of the UAE’s largest transport infrastructure projects.Launched in 2009, the national railway network extends over 900 kilometers and is designed to connect all seven emirates, connecting major cities, ports, airports and industrial centres, as well as forming part of the future GCC railway network. Freight services are already operational, while passenger services officially begin in 2026.Sharjah plays a strategic role in the network due to its location between Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The emirate’s rail infrastructure will improve connections with Dubai, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, while strengthening access to Sharjah International Airport, logistics hubs and industrial zones.Once fully operational, the railway is expected to reduce reliance on private vehicles, ease pressure on major highways and provide faster, more sustainable travel options for both residents and visitors.
Etihad Rail across the UAE
The construction work causing today’s traffic disruption is expected to yield significant long-term transportation benefits.Etihad Rail passenger trains can operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h along routes connecting 11 cities and regions in the UAE. Initial passenger services include connections between Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, offering journey times that are significantly shorter than traveling by road. The trains have onboard Wi-Fi, charging points and multiple seating classes designed for commuters and leisure travelers. For Sharjah residents, the railway is expected to transform the daily commute by reducing congestion on the highly used roads connecting the emirate to Dubai and other neighboring cities. The project also supports the UAE’s broader sustainability strategy by reducing carbon emissions and reducing the number of heavy vehicles on highways.
What you need to know before traveling
With construction continuing in the coming weeks, SRTA is advising motorists to check their routes before leaving, allow extra travel time and obey all temporary traffic signals around the University City area. Drivers traveling during university opening hours and peak commute periods are most likely to experience delays. While the temporary changes may cause short-term inconvenience, officials say the work is a necessary step to complete one of the UAE’s most significant transportation upgrades. Once completed, the new access roads will support Sharjah’s future Etihad Rail Station and improve connectivity across the emirate, allowing residents to benefit from faster, safer and more environmentally friendly travel for decades to come.